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SSD and NVMe recovery

SSD and NVMe data recovery: act fast, write nothing.

Solid-state drives fail differently from hard drives. There are no heads to crash, but the controller, the firmware, and the flash memory can all fail, sometimes without warning, and an SSD can erase deleted data on its own. DriveSavers recovers SATA and M.2 solid-state drives, including drives that are no longer detected.

Start a case with DriveSavers Ask us first: (585) 388-8780

What to do right now

  1. Stop using the drive. SSDs clear deleted blocks in the background (TRIM). The longer a drive with deleted files stays powered and in use, the less there is to recover.
  2. Don't initialize, format, or repair it. If Windows asks to initialize or format the disk, cancel. Repair tools write to the drive.
  3. Don't keep power-cycling a drive that disappears. A drive that drops off the system, shows the wrong name or capacity, or freezes the computer usually has a controller or firmware fault, and repeated attempts don't help.
  4. Find your encryption key. If the drive was encrypted with BitLocker, the recovery key is needed to read the recovered data. On many Windows 11 PCs it is saved to the Microsoft account used to set up the computer.
  5. Keep the whole laptop if the storage is soldered. Some laptops have their storage soldered to the motherboard. Tell DriveSavers the make and model when you start the case.

How SSDs fail

Controller failure

The controller handles every read and write. When it fails, the drive may vanish from the system or report the wrong name or capacity, while the data is still in the flash memory.

Firmware faults

Corrupted internal firmware can lock a drive up after a power loss or an update. The drive appears dead even though the flash memory is intact.

Worn or failing flash

Flash memory wears with writes. Failing cells show up as read errors, slowdowns, or a drive that switches itself to read-only.

Deleted files and TRIM

When files are deleted, the operating system tells the SSD those blocks are free, and the drive may erase them in the background. That is why deleted files are harder to recover from an SSD than from a hard drive.

Why SSD recovery is lab work

An SSD spreads data across its flash chips in a way only its own controller understands, and many drives encrypt it internally. Recovering a failed SSD usually means repairing the drive's firmware or working around a failed controller to read the flash, which takes specialized tools and knowledge of the specific drive model. It is not a job for recovery software.

Two ways to start

Path 1 · You know it's the drive

Go straight to DriveSavers

Not detected, the wrong name or capacity, or dead after a power loss: start a case with DriveSavers and use code DS22831 for 10% off. The evaluation is free and inbound shipping is free.

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Path 2 · You're not sure

Bring it to us first

Computer won't boot and you're not sure the SSD is to blame? Bring it to our Fairport shop. A diagnosis runs around $50, and it may turn out to be something other than the drive.

Call (585) 388-8780

J&N referral code

10% off your DriveSavers recovery

Give DriveSavers this code when you start your case, or use our referral link, and they'll take 10% off. Mention it up front: it can't be added once a job is already underway.

DriveSavers Data Recovery authorized reseller: get discount code
DS22831
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SSD data recovery questions

Can data be recovered from a dead SSD?
Often, yes. Many SSD failures are in the controller or the firmware while the data in the flash memory is intact. DriveSavers recovers SATA and M.2 solid-state drives, including drives that are no longer detected, using lab tools specific to the drive model.
Can deleted files be recovered from an SSD?
Sometimes, but it is harder than on a hard drive. SSDs erase deleted blocks in the background through TRIM, so stop using the drive right away and don't install recovery software on it. The sooner it reaches a lab, the better the chances.
My NVMe drive is not detected. What should I do?
If it does not appear in the BIOS, shows the wrong name or capacity, or disappeared after a power loss, stop power-cycling it and start a case with DriveSavers. If you're not sure whether it's the drive or the computer, bring the computer to us first.
What if my SSD was encrypted with BitLocker?
Data recovered from a BitLocker-encrypted drive can only be read with its recovery key. On many Windows 11 PCs the key is saved to the Microsoft account used to set up the computer, so find it before you start a case.
How long does data recovery take?
DriveSavers offers three service speeds. Priority work starts as soon as the device arrives, 365 days a year. Standard takes about 1–2 business days and Economy about 5–7, longer for phones and tablets. Your advisor confirms the current turnaround with your quote.
What does data recovery cost?
It depends on the device and what's wrong with it, so DriveSavers quotes each case after a free evaluation. Per DriveSavers, if they can't recover your data, you don't pay for the recovery. Our code takes 10% off the recovery.
How do I get the 10% off?
Give DriveSavers our referral code, DS22831, when you start your case, or start it through the referral link on this page. The discount is applied by DriveSavers, so mention the code before the job begins; it can't be added to a case that's already underway.

Other recovery guides

Clicking or dead hard driveClicking, beeping, grinding, or not spinning. RAID and NASFailed arrays, rebuilds, Synology and QNAP. External drives, USB, and SD cardsNot recognized, dropped, or asking to format. Phones and tabletsWon't turn on, water damage, broken. Deleted and formattedDeleted files, formatted drives, lost partitions. RansomwareEncrypted files and a ransom note.

Start from the main page: data recovery through DriveSavers, or data recovery in Rochester, NY.

Near Rochester Rochester Fairport Penfield Pittsford Victor Webster Gates Greece Hilton

Stop writing, start a case.

Start a case with DriveSavers using code DS22831 for 10% off, or call us if you're not sure the SSD is what failed.

Start a case with DriveSavers Call (585) 388-8780

J&N Computer Services is a DriveSavers referral partner and may receive a referral fee when you use our code or link. DriveSavers performs all recoveries and sets its own pricing, terms, and turnaround.